The median deferral rate for those define contribution plan participants was 8 percent at the small companies, 7 percent at the medium-size ones and 6 percent at the largest, while the average account balance was $135,245.

But despite that average account balance — considerably higher than many other estimates, including a recent average of $96,288 from Vanguard of its plan participants — just 54 percent of employees are confident that their savings will last them through retirement.

And among for-profit employees, only 16 percent have access to defined benefit plans.

Among not-for-profit employees, the picture is a little different. Nearly 35 percent have access to a defined benefit plan, but also have higher participation rates than for-profit employees in defined contribution plans at 86 percent. That participation rate varies by the sector within the not-for-profit milieu, with 86 percent of those within education participating; 82 percent of those working for nonprofits such as hospitals or healthcare providers; and 88 percent of those working in the government sector.

The median deferral rate overall in the not-for-profit sector is 8 percent, with government employees socking away the most at 9 percent, and education and non-profit workers saving a median rate of 7 percent.

The average defined contribution plan balance among not-for-profit employees is lower than that for for-profit employees, at $104,107, yet 58 percent of not-for-profit employees are confident that their savings will last them throughout retirement.

They also plan to retire earlier than their for-profit counterparts. Among for-profit employees, those at the small and medium-sized companies expect to retire at age 62, while those at the large companies expect to retire at 63. But not-for-profit employees in the education field plan to retire at age 56, while those in government are looking at age 59 and those in other non-profits are aiming for 62.